When Mary Lou Carbonneau was growing up in Michigan, her mother became ill and passed away when Mary Lou was only 10 years old.
“They didn’t have places like hospice to take care of my mother or our family when she died,” said Mary Lou. “How wonderful it is now that we have hospice services and programs to take care of the children and the families.”
The first time Mary Lou heard about hospice, she was living in Port St. Lucie in the Spanish Lakes community. It was 1991 and she received news that her husband Les would be sent home from the hospital with hospice care. Les died at home a short time later.
“The nurse from Treasure Coast Hospice made it so nice for him and for me,” Mary Lou commented. “If dying can be nice, Treasure Coast Hospice makes it nice.”
After that, she watched many friends receive care from Treasure Coast Hospice and was touched by each experience she witnessed.
Several years later, Mary Lou met Bob Clemens, who was a board member for Treasure Coast Hospice. Together they attended a variety of events for the organization. As she learned more, Mary Lou felt compelled to give back.
Over the years, Mary Lou has made donations in memory of Bob as well as many other friends and relatives. A planter in the St. Lucie Hospice House Gardens bears his name. “He’s my continuing inspiration to support Treasure Coast Hospice,” she said.
“I can’t go out and be a nurse and I don’t have much time to volunteer, but I can help by giving, so I give what I can,” she said. “I’ve been blessed and want to share these blessings.”
Mary Lou has decided that her support of Treasure Coast Hospice will continue after she passes away by naming the organization as one of the beneficiaries in her will.
“It’s important to have a will,” she said. “That way you have a say in what you want your money to do after you die.”
Treasure Coast Hospice is grateful for the support of Mary Lou and others who have chosen to become part of the Legacy Society. If you’ve remembered Treasure Coast Hospice in your estate plans or would like to know more about how to do so, please contact the Office of Planned Giving at 772.403.4547 or Give@treasurehealth.org.
